Princeton is commemorating America 250 with exhibitions and events on campus and in the community

Princeton University is hosting a series of public exhibits and lectures to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and the institution’s role in Revolutionary-era history. The centerpiece is the “Nursery of Rebellion” exhibit at the Princeton University Library, which features rare Dunlap copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

What is the “Nursery of Rebellion” exhibit?

The “Nursery of Rebellion: Princeton and the American Revolution” exhibit is open to the public through July 12 at Firestone Library’s Ellen and Leonard Milberg Gallery. Curated by associate professor of history Michael Blaakman and librarian Gabriel Swift, the free display showcases original printings of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

The exhibit includes holdings from university archives and artifacts on loan from national and local institutions. It will remain open on July 4, and a digital version of the exhibition is available for those unable to visit in person.

Did You Know? The “Nursery of Rebellion” exhibit features rare Dunlap copies of both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Which other art and history displays are open?

The Mudd Manuscript Library is hosting “Real and Remembered: Princetonians Caught Between Study and Revolution,” which examines student experiences during the war. Curated by staff members April Armstrong, Ashley Augustyniak, and Rosalba Varallo Recchia, this exhibit runs through April 30, 2027.

At the Princeton University Art Museum, the Wilmerding Pavilion of American Art displays a monumental portrait of George Washington at the Battle of Princeton by Charles Willson Peale. The museum is free and open daily, though it closes for several holidays, including July 4.

Other museum features include “What Is an American? Artists Reflect,” curated by Jun Nakamura, which runs through Nov. 1. Starting Aug. 15, Art@Bainbridge in Bainbridge House will host “Joyce J. Scott: Declarations,” curated by Laura M. Giles, running through Jan. 10, 2027.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that by pairing traditional Revolutionary artifacts with contemporary works like those of Joyce J. Scott, the programming creates a dialogue between historical founding and evolving definitions of American identity.

How is the community involved in the semiquincentennial?

The Humanities Initiative co-organized “Re-visioning America,” a community-based series involving the Princeton Public Library, the Historical Society of Princeton, and the Arts Council of Princeton. This collaboration also includes the Princeton Garden Theatre and Morven Museum and Garden.

America 250 at Princeton University: Dunlap Broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence

Programming runs through the fall and includes workshops, film screenings, and a gallery crawl. These events explore how various artists grapple with the complexities of American history.

What happens next for the celebrations?

Several university departments may plan additional programs during the coming academic year. This follows spring presentations by the Department of African American Studies and the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

The “Revolution Up Close” lecture series continues to bring in visiting authors. On June 30, Robert Parkinson, a professor at Binghamton University, will discuss his book “Tyrants and Rogues: Understanding the Declaration of Independence.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the “Nursery of Rebellion” exhibit free?
Yes, the exhibit is free and open to the public.

When does the “Real and Remembered” exhibit end?
The exhibit at the Mudd Manuscript Library runs through April 30, 2027.

Is the Princeton University Art Museum open on July 4?
No, the museum closes for several holidays annually, including July 4.

Which of these historical documents or portraits would you most want to see in person?